Cervical Cancer Awareness 2026

January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting a disease that affects 660,000 women globally each year, claiming 350,000 lives, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries due to limited access to vaccines, screening, and treatment. The primary cause is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus.

The good news is that cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular screening. Notably, women living with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer, emphasizing the importance of early care

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious 90-70-90 targets for 2030:

- 90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15

- 70% of women screened by ages 35 and 45

- 90% treated if precancer or cancer is detected

You can make a difference by:

- Vaccinating girls aged 9-14

- Getting screened regularly, even if vaccinated

- Avoiding smoking

- Avoid unprotected sex with multiple partners.